A man has died from a gunshot wound in Carterton, prompting a major police investigation across multiple sites in the Wairarapa — including Featherston and Kaitoke — and raising public concern over safety in the typically quiet region.
Emergency services responded around 4pm on Saturday to a vehicle parked near Carterton’s New World supermarket. Carterton Mayor Ron Mark confirmed the person in the vehicle had died from a gunshot wound.
“This appears to be a targeted incident,” Mark said. “There is no wider threat to the public, and I’m confident police will resolve this quickly.”
Police have yet to officially confirm the fatality but stated that two people are being interviewed in connection with the incident. Cordons have been established at three separate locations — Carterton, Featherston, and Kaitoke — with State Highway 2 experiencing partial or full closures through the region.
Authorities said there is no ongoing risk to the wider community, but investigations remain active. Police teams are conducting scene examinations to determine what occurred.
A Carterton resident reported seeing a police tent set up in the cordoned area, while the New World supermarket has closed until further notice. A Facebook post from the store apologised for the inconvenience and promised updates.
Mayor Mark called for calm and urged residents to support frontline responders.
“We rely on our police and ambulance teams to keep our communities safe — for our children and our whānau,” he said.
Some residents believe the incident may be connected to a separate event involving a car in Featherston earlier in the day, though police have not confirmed any link.
While the incident occurred outside the Wellington region, many Porirua locals with ties to the Wairarapa will be following updates closely. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.
More details will be released as the investigation progresses.